The Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Women Aged 20-64 in Turkey

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in women aged 20-64 in the city of Trabzon, Turkey, and to evaluate associated demographic variables.

Methods: A minimum of 1825 subjects eligible for the study was calculated, and 2000 subjects were eventually planned for inclusion. Of these, 1930 subjects participated in the screening phase (a participation rate of 96.5%). The screening protocol included several interview items that have been defined as components of FMS. Subjects were also asked questions concerning demographics. Individuals with positive screening results were invited to be examined by a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation in order to confirm or exclude FMS using the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria.

Results: Seventy of the 1930 women were diagnosed with FMS. The prevalence of fibromyalgia was 3.6% (95% CI 2.8-4.4). The prevalence was highest in the 50-59 age group (10.1%, 95% CI 8.8-11.4), in the uneducated (10.7%, 95% CI 9.3-12.1), in the widowed (8.8%, 95% CI 7.5-10.1), and in subjects with an annual household income of < USD 2000 (7.3%, 95% CI 6.1-8.5).

Conclusion: This cross-sectional study is the first report of the prevalence of FMS in Turkey. These data will assist decision-making in the health system.